St. Clair Today

The Michigan Department of Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration recently received a $1.9 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with funding for a statewide expansion of behavioral health services during the COVID-19 crisis.

The grant comes through the agency’s Regular Services Program: Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program and will fund the same services covered under a previous, short-term FEMA grant, according to Michigan.gov.

However, the programming provided by the previous grant will also be expanded. 

The expansion includes adding nine counselors to the seven who can currently be reached through the state’s COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-3136, according to Michigan.gov. Counselors reached through the hotline provide 24-hour emotional support and referral information.

The new funding will also enable the state to hire six additional trained outreach specialists to help connect with those considered to be particularly vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic, including the unemployed, the homeless and housing-insecure, individuals with substance abuse problems, immigrants or those with limited English skills, schoolteachers and staff, and those who have intellectual and developmental disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The grant will also assist in funding expanded media reach, as the agency plans an “expansive” media campaign to promote available services and resources.

“As the pandemic continues, we know Michiganders are suffering stress, anxiety and depression because of COVID-19,” said Robert Gordon, MDHHS director, according to Michigan.gov. “This grant will help to sustain critical behavioral health counseling and referral services for our residents most in need of support.”

Those interested in finding out more about the department’s COVID-19-related efforts or who want to seek services can visit Michigan.gov/StayWell.